PokerStars Launches Facebook App

For years, Facebook has been a popular online gaming platform, and online casino developers are finally working their way into the market. This month, PokerStars announced that it would be launching a new play-money poker application on the social network.

PokerStars’ new Facebook application is an extension of the play money offering on its .net website – except this version is outfitted with a wide range social gaming features. These include experience points, bonus prizes and the opportunity to share progress with friends.

All of your favourite PokerStars features will be available as well. You will be able to access a wide range of games include, ring games, tournaments and even Zoom Poker.

It seems that PokerStars has been developing this social gaming application since last November. While it has taken the company quite some time to debut the app, there is still quite a lot of work to be done. It is still in its Beta stage and can only be accessed on Facebook’s online site; the application is not yet available in the Facebook app store.

Facebook has already entered into the world of real-money bingo, and it seems that the social networking site may be keen to launch real-money poker applications. With PokerStars now launching its first-ever social gaming app, the company is well-positioned for entry into Facebook’s real-money online gambling market.

Full Tilt Poker Back Online

It has been months in the making, but Full Tilt Poker has finally made its triumphant return to the online poker world. The site re-launched this week, and was met with a big welcome from former players. The online poker site looks forward to a successful future in the gambling market and is pleased to announce a number of new features.

Since it has been nearly two years since Full Tilt Poker was a functioning online poker website, its developers have been working hard to ensure that its software can compete with today’s leaders in the market. As such, several beneficial new features have been added to ensure that players have a convenient online gambling experience.

Some little things that you will notice are improved lobbies, providing players with more information about the games and tournaments that are presented to them. Players can also pre-select where they are seated in any tournament or cash game – another small but extremely convenient feature.

New tournaments are also making their debut at Full Tilt. You can take part in Double Chance and Triple Chance tournaments, which present players with the option to rebuy without the extra cost. Rush Poker also returns with brand new tournaments, bringing a whole new meaning to the term ‘fast-fold’ poker.

New Zealand poker player will be pleased with the new online offering from Full Tilt Poker. We highly recommended giving the new site a try.

Full Tilt Poker Lawsuit Expanded

Things have gotten even worse for former Full Tilt Poker owners Raymond Bitar and Howard Lederer. A number of charges were brought up against the two men, after Full Tilt Poker was discovered to be operating in the American gambling market illegally – as well as operating as a Ponzi scheme. Now, new charges have been laid against Bitar and Lederer, as the prosecution argues that they have violated the Travel Act 1961.

The Travel Act prohibits the distribution of funds earned illegally via fraudulent business practices. Lederer and Bitar violated the act by transferring funds from the site’s business account to Lederer’s personal account. These funds were not profits earned from Full Tilt’s operators; rather, they were player deposits.

“The funds were used to purchase/pay for real estate, renovations, new home construction costs, furniture, mortgage payments, property taxes, personal pension plans and 401K’s, and various personal vehicles,” reads the complaint.

Last week, Lederer attempted to use a new ruling that poker is a game of skill to have his charges dropped. Unfortunately, this new revelation will only make matters worse for Lederer and his former business partner, as it seems there will be no way for either party to escape these charges.

Zynga Inspires Mobile Gambling Market

Mobile gaming is a thriving industry. With a vast increase in the number of players taking part in mobile games from their smartphones and tablet computers, companies like Zynga have seen impressive financial growth. It has prompted them to enter into the real-money gambling world which has, in turn, inspired gambling operators to venture into mobile gambling.

Mobile devices have made it so that individuals have the desire to be entertained on a constant basis. As such, gaming has become incredibly popular, as mobile device users crave entertainment and activity while on the go.

Witnessing the substantial success of companies like Zynga in the mobile market, online casino developers are becoming more likely to offer their own mobile games. Microgaming has launched several titles already, but has been hesitant to expand. Now, seeing the success of mobile gaming is likely to inspire the operator to delve further into the mobile market.

Mobile betting has also served as a positive example for the rest of the online gambling world. Companies like TabCorp have noted that at least a quarter of their profits are coming from mobile activity, which serves as proof that mobile gambling is the next step forward for the market at large.

iPhone Opens Up to Mobile Gambling

The iPhone was previously was one of the last few platforms that existed without offering online gambling applications – but all that has recently changed, as Apple devices now support mobile casino games. It opens up a whole new audience up to the possibilities of gambling in the digital era, allowing players to access their favourite gambling activities from virtually anywhere.

Currently, there are a number of mobile applications available for the iPhone, offered by companies like William Hill, Betfair and PokerStars. Developers have seen the immense value of appealing to the Apple gaming market and have taken advantage of the opportunity. With mobile technology developing rapidly, there is plenty of room for growth.

“This is the biggest opportunity that game developers have had since the advent of the Internet,” Christopher Griffin of Betable said in an interview with The Financial Post.

In order to offer their games via the iTunes marketplace, online casino developers must comply with strict rules and regulations, including local gambling laws. As such, you can rest assured that playing at an Apple-approved gambling website will offer up a safe and secure mobile gambling experience.

New BaTourney at InterCasino

InterCasino is always launching new and interesting online casino promotions to keep its players interested while promoting its newest games. This month at InterCasino, you can take part in the BaTourney, which celebrates the launch of its new Batman online slots game.

The online casino has fantastic timing. When the Avengers movie hit theatres, the InterHeroes Assemble promotion was launched. Now, as The Dark Knight Rises dominates the box office, InterCasino has launched its BaTourney slots tournament.

Entering is simple, as always. Simply enter the bonus code BATOUR when you make a deposit of $25. Every $10 you wager on InterCasino’s Batman slot machine, will count for one comp point. As you earn comp points, you climb the leaderboard for your chance to win a portion of a $2000 prize pool.

Batman is a 50-reel online slots game based on everyone favourite DC comic book hero. The game features some fantastic bonus features and great winning potential. It has received rave reviews from online gambling critics and is highly praised by players.

First place in the competition wins an impressive $500 while second and third win $300 and $150, respectively. There is still a week left in the competition, so get spinning for your chance to win!

GTECH G2 and PlayTech Want Zynga Contract

Zynga has announced that it is finally making plans to enter the online gambling market. After years of running the most successful, social poker application on Facebook, the company felt that it was about time to venture into the real-money world. Zynga has opened up bidding, requesting the assistance of experienced gaming operators.

GTECH G2 and PlayTech have jumped at the chance, although we anticipate plenty of other developers will come forward. Since Zynga is renowned for operating a free-money poker app that draws in millions of players each month, each company sees the incredible value of working with the company.

While many of Zynga Poker’s players are under the age of 18, the new real money application will certainly convert adult players to playing online poker. The launch of the new website will not only boost Zynga’s business but boost activity in the online poker world, overall.

Zynga is currently considering the possibilities, as gaming developers continue to bid on the license. Whoever wins can look forward to working on the hottest new online poker site to hit the internet in years.

Grand Reef Offers Happy Hour Promos

Grand Reef is one of the few online gambling websites targeted at New Zealand players. It offers players the unique experience of playing only the best online pokies and casino games, selected with the average Kiwi player in mind. The casino is also known for offering up generous promotions for players across the country.

One of Grand Reef’s most popular promotions is its Happy Hour bonus scheme. During happy hours, the online casino operator offers players generous bonuses. Before each Happy Hour, you will be informed of the prize amount being given away, so you can choose whether or not it is worth it to enter.

To enter into the promotion, simply deposit $25 during the promotional period. You will be informed by the casino when each Happy Hour begins, so you can take fully take advantage. After you have made your deposit, the bonus amount is immediately credited to your account!

It is one of the easiest online casino promotions to take part in! So, keep an eye our for the next Happy Hour at Grand Reef online casino.

Lakshmi’s Gold Pulled From Online Casinos

Almost immediately after releasing Lakshmi’s Gold online slots, PlayTech received word that the Hindu community was very upset with the game. Depicting various Hindu gods, Lakshmi’s Gold was considered to be disrespectful and insulting to Hindus. Now, after just one week of controversy, PlayTech has removed the game from its online casinos.

Rajan Zed, a famous Hindu leader, was the first to speak out against the game. He stated that it was insulting to depict deities in such a way, insulting those who believe in these Gods. Zed led the campaign to have the game removed from online casinos, and has become pleased to discover that PlayTech abided by the community’s wishes.

As of today, Lakshmi’s Gold is no longer available at online casinos powered by PlayTech. However, PlayTech has yet to issue an apology to the community. It seems as though it is unlikely that the company will be doing so; if PlayTech had planned on apologizing, it likely would have done so while recalling the game. Rajan Zed states the recall is a step in the right direction, but is not happy that the company has not apologized.

Rumours Circulate About Removal of Lord of the Rings Slots

In the online casino world, Lord of the Rings online slots was one of the best games the market had seen in recent years. Designed by Microgaming, Lord of the Rings presented the online gambling market with a unique perspective on branded slots, using new technology to create an immersive online gaming experience.

Now, it seems that the game may not be around for much longer. Rumours are circulating which claim that Lord of the Rings online slots may be removed from Microgaming’s repertoire of games by the end of the month. With the recent success of the game, the news has come as a shock to the online gaming world.

As it stands, this is all hearsay, but internet forums are buzzing with the news. It seems that a few affiliates have been informed that the game will no longer be available at Microgaming-powered casinos. The information was leaked, and now internet gamblers are trying to get to the bottom of the issue.

While the removal of Lord of the Rings slots still remains to be seen, we will keep you updated with any developments with the story.